2022 Mares Chase

[Lobos]

Just think it's the reason she's not been backed in since going 7's . She should be a few points shorter than Elimay at least.

[Istabraq]

What I find most surprising about Mount Ida is her versatility, when she came from a mile back to win the Kim Muir she looked a proper stayer and I immediately thought Grand National, so when Elliott ran the horse over 20f at Fairyhouse, and was predictably beat, and entered over a similar distance at Clonmel this year I assumed he was running her with the handbrake on minding a mark, the fact she brushed aside Scarlet & Dove and then followed up again over a similar distance at Fairyhouse was a real eye opener for me.
Six months ago I've had backed by 47 kilo labrador over her in a 20f match, now she's proved her speed over the shorter distance I think she's a player...

[Spectre]

Ironically I think Elimay might be the one that needs further now. I don't think she's turning sour, I think she gets slightly tapped for toe. Horses turning sour don't keep finding like she did against Mount Ida from an unpromising position after some jumping errors.

[Rooster Booster]

Ironically I think Elimay might be the one that needs further now. I don't think she's turning sour, I think she gets slightly tapped for toe. Horses turning sour don't keep finding like she did against Mount Ida from an unpromising position after some jumping errors.

There is a difference from turned sour to be being one turn of the dial away from turning sour. I have lost count of the times horses have started to travel less kindly. One or two times they respond ok to the jockeys urges then very soon they don’t. It’s a slippery slope and sometimes the first warning sign of things to come. Yes it could also be she now needs further (or is getting slower put less diplomatically). Whether she now needs a trip or is not enjoying racing as much as she used to neither are encouraging with Cheltenham in mind imo. Backers will surely hope neither is the case and that Willie can get her travelling and jumping like her old self again for the festival.

[Spectre]

She was much better last time, but was having to be niggled after a couple of jumping errors. She found plenty at the end from an unpromising position. First time out she was one of Willie's that just didn't fire and I think that race is worth forgetting.

I could be wrong RB, but I don't think she's anywhere on the dial at all. She may just need a bit of stoking to get back on the bridle these days, but presumably Tonwnend will ride her accordingly now.

The likes of Altior, Brave Inca, and Inglis Drever usually needed stoking to win Grade 1's, and there are many more that fit that mould. Generally it's because you can switch them off and let them relax into their races, and as they get older they take a little longer to respond when asked to go about their business. Whilst she's not necessarily quite in the class those three are, she appears to race similarly now.

[Benjy23]

She was much better last time, but was having to be niggled after a couple of jumping errors. She found plenty at the end from an unpromising position. First time out she was one of Willie's that just didn't fire and I think that race is worth forgetting.
I could be wrong RB, but I don't think she's anywhere on the dial at all. She may just need a bit of stoking to get back on the bridle these days, but presumably Tonwnend will ride her accordingly now.

The likes of Altior, Brave Inca, and Inglis Drever usually needed stoking to win Grade 1's, and there are many more that fit that mould. Generally it's because you can switch them off and let them relax into their races, and as they get older they take a little longer to respond when asked to go about their business. Whilst she's not necessarily quite in the class those three are, she appears to race similarly now.

Townend might. Mark Walsh probably still won't

Seriously though, I'm inclined to agree. Forgive the first run, as with a lot Mullins. And the jumping was more a concern than anything with the second run. Not sure that can be her way of giving up the game.

I'd still have her as the most likely winner of this to be honest.

Some of my favourites in that list as well!

[Lobos]

Willie will stick some headgear on Elimay I reckon.

[Rooster Booster]

She was much better last time, but was having to be niggled after a couple of jumping errors. She found plenty at the end from an unpromising position. First time out she was one of Willie's that just didn't fire and I think that race is worth forgetting.

I could be wrong RB, but I don't think she's anywhere on the dial at all. She may just need a bit of stoking to get back on the bridle these days, but presumably Tonwnend will ride her accordingly now.

The likes of Altior, Brave Inca, and Inglis Drever usually needed stoking to win Grade 1's, and there are many more that fit that mould. Generally it's because you can switch them off and let them relax into their races, and as they get older they take a little longer to respond when asked to go about their business. Whilst she's not necessarily quite in the class those three are, she appears to race similarly now.

Listen you may well be right and for her backers I hope you are as my ideal scenario for every race is that every horse arrives ready to perform to its best and may the best horses win. I was going to respond more specifically to your post but tbh we are both relying on our experience, knowledge and instinct and interpreting what we see our own individual way, with our own reasons. While it’s great to be open to the arguments and influences of others, ultimately we have to eventually back our own judgements (or not as the case may be). As long as we all make enough good judgements to beat the enemy that’s all that matters (looking for a soppy sod emoji )

[Spectre]

Yes definitely RB. All we can do is back our judgement and it's a game of opinions. We won't be right all the time, but if we're right often enough we stay ahead of the game.

[Spectre]

Townend might. Mark Walsh probably still won't

Good point Benjy. I don't mind Mark Walsh to be honest. He probably gets a bit more stick than he deserves. Townend is much better though.

[Big Bucks]

The Glancing Queen form franked again! Maskada beating odds on Zambella.

Double green still have Concertista!

But IM going in on The Glancing Queen again.

[Bonjers]

Bizarre ride on Zambella. She's improved for being prominent and putting pressure on others with her jumping, so today decide to drop her in whilst also going down in distance.

[Craigy14]

I’m just thinking around the chat if switching Concertista the other day, surely this becomes less likely so Townened has a decent chance in this? As long as Daryl Jacob is still injured of course.

Walsh will be on Elimay, does WPM have anything else worth backing other than Concertista that Townend could ride?

Just a thought.

[TigerRolllllll]

Please can anyone explain grade penalty in this?

is it 5 or 7 pounds for grade 1? Or more complex….G1 same season?

Not sure which have penalties? Assume PTKO would of came here

[ToniC]

Please can anyone explain grade penalty in this?

is it 5 or 7 pounds for grade 1? Or more complex….G1 same season?

Not sure which have penalties? Assume PTKO would of came here

This season or last, gr1 winners 5lb gr2 winners 3lb. So PTKO 5lb pen & concertista 3lb. Elimay & mounted only won a listed race & a gr3 respectively.